Assam Rifles Personnel Killed, 4 Injured In Suspected Militant Attack Near Myanmar Border

An Assam Rifles patrol team came under suspected militant fire near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday morning, leaving one personnel dead and four others injured, officials said.

The incident took place around 6.30 am near Nampong Nallah under Nampong circle, where personnel of the 21 Assam Rifles were reportedly conducting patrols in an area where border fencing work is underway.

Havildar Jankhokai Kuki, 42, was killed in the firing. Four other personnel sustained injuries and were being evacuated for medical treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.

Security Forces Launch Operations

Following the attack, security forces intensified operations in the area. Additional forces were reportedly moved in as efforts continued to locate the attackers and secure the border stretch. 

Officials said the exact circumstances of the attack were still being established. An official statement from the Assam Rifles was awaited.

Preliminary reports suggested that militants affiliated with the NSCN (K-YA) may have been involved in the attack. However, officials had not confirmed the identity of the attackers. 

Police Gathering Details

Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu reportedly said police had received information about the incident and directed the officer-in-charge of Changlang police station to collect further details.

“We have received information about the incident that took place along the India-Myanmar border and have asked the OC of Changlang police station to collect information related to it,” the SP reportedly said.

The incident occurred in an area where border fencing work is currently underway, with the Assam Rifles personnel conducting patrols in the vicinity.

Sensitive India-Myanmar Border

The Changlang stretch of the India-Myanmar border is considered sensitive because of the movement of insurgent groups operating in the region and across the international boundary as per reports.

The latest attack has led to heightened security in the area as forces continue operations following the firing. Further details about the attackers and the condition of the injured personnel are awaited.